What is nuclear sclerosis?

Written by les belzer| 13/05/2017

Nuclear sclerosis is a hardening of the lens. (Eye image by mohamed salah eldin said from Fotolia.com)

Nuclear sclerosis is a condition of the eyes which affects many animals and some humans. It is a hardening and sometimes discolouration of the lens of the eye. As you get older the lens of your eye becomes less flexible. The eye focuses by changing the thickness of the lens. For closer vision, the lens is thickened. Nuclear sclerosis makes this more difficult.

Definition

Sclerosis is defined as a hardening of tissue. Nuclear sclerosis is caused when your eye produces new lens fibres. The old ones remain in place and, therefore, the eye becomes more dense. As the lens becomes more dense, it becomes harder and less flexible.

Population

The most common sufferers of nuclear sclerosis are older dogs. Although quite rare, it can occur in humans, and may not appear until a person is at least 45 years of age.

Synptoms

The most common symptom of the condition is that the eyes of the patient, albeit human or canine, begin to become cloudy. This occurs as you become older. In humans, it is seldom noticed before the mid-forties and in dogs not until they are at least seven years old.

Humans

Although nuclear sclerosis is seldom seen in humans, it can present as a cloudiness in the eyes. It is sometimes mistaken for cataracts. In general, it does not effect distance vision. Like most people over 45 years of age, nuclear sclerosis sufferers will notice they may need reading glasses to improve their close vision.

Dogs

Nuclear sclerosis is common in older dogs. (Old friend image by Pushpangadan from Fotolia.com)

Nuclear sclerosis is very common in older dogs. Cloudiness begins to form in the centre of the lens and presents itself in both eyes. This is a natural occurrence in the eyes of older dogs. Distance vision does not seem to be impaired, but the dog's perception of objects that are very close is affected. Cataracts can be mistaken for nuclear sclerosis. Cataracts are a more serious condition and, therefore, you should take your dog to the vet for a checkup if and when cloudiness develops in the eyes.

Treatment

Veterinaries do not treat nuclear sclerosis in dogs; they view it as simply part of the ageing process. In humans, getting some reading glasses will solve the problem. Nonetheless, talk to your doctor if you think you may have this condition.